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Aug 31, 2023

10 Reasons Why The Lexus NX Hybrid Is Special

The Lexus NX Hybrid is an eye-catching, practical, and convenient choice for you if you're looking for a premium hybrid crossover. Ever since its introduction to the market in 1983, Lexus has always

The Lexus NX Hybrid is an eye-catching, practical, and convenient choice for you if you're looking for a premium hybrid crossover.

Ever since its introduction to the market in 1983, Lexus has always been known to create some of the classiest, most premium, and most comfortable interiors in the luxury car segment, and each model never falls short on that statement. Lexus also keeps the spirit of “Omotenashi” alive and well, meaning that every vehicle is designed around you and your needs, and ensures that every drive that you go for in your Lexus feels amazing and fun.

The NX, according to Lexus, stands for ‘nimble crossover’ and is one of its top-selling models with a total of almost 50,000 copies sold in 2021. It's a go-to for those looking for a car that's just enough to fit the entire family, without having to worry about driving a massive full-sized SUV. Since its release in 2014, the Lexus NX has received numerous upgrades to its features and technology, as well as exterior changes to keep a more modernized look in 2023. Here are 10 reasons why the Lexus NX Hybrid is a special car.

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Being a hybrid electric vehicle, the Lexus NX Hybrid proves to be very fuel efficient as it combines both the power of an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The car makes use of its electric motor when driving at lower speeds, usually within an urban setting. Coasting without pressing the accelerator, and braking, charges the battery. This comes in handy for those times you might find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, or just cruising around the city block. In particular, the NX350h boasts a fuel efficiency of an average of 39 MPG between city and highway driving, while the NX450h+ variant offers an average of 84 MPGe estimated. The EPA also estimates that the car can drive an astounding 37 miles with just its electric motor.

The Lexus NX Hybrid offers a total cargo space of 22.7 cubic feet and 46.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. While this isn’t necessarily astounding when comparing it to other competitors in the segment, the amount of space still isn’t something to brush over. To compare, the BMW X3 xDrive30i has a trunk space of 28.7 cubic feet to 62.7 cubic feet, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has a trunk space of 21.9 cubic feet to 56.3 cubic feet.

Not only are you able to comfortably seat a family of four to five, but should you choose to, the SUV is still more than capable of fitting tons of luggage for getaways and trips. Now while you might not be using the Lexus NX as a hauler, another thing to note is that this crossover has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds with its required equipment available as an individual option. This makes the Lexus NX a perfect choice as a daily, weekend get-together, or grocery-getter vehicle.

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While all luxury car brands have their fair share of maintenance issues, Lexus definitely counts as one of the most reliable in the market. Being under the Toyota Motor Corporation, some Lexus models definitely share some resemblance with Toyota models. It wouldn’t be strange to see them share technology and features, but one thing's for sure is that they are equally reliable. The Lexus NX scored 81 out of 100 for predicted reliability, and the brand continues to be one of the most trusted luxury car brands when it comes to NOT giving its consumers a maintenance nightmare.

The Takumi are Lexus’ master craftspeople who leave their imprint using meticulous and artisanal techniques, and are who you should thank for this astounding build quality. They spend, according to Lexus, 60,000 long hours mastering their craft and skill. So, if you’re afraid that the NX quality isn’t up to par, rest assured that they make sure each and every model maintains the highest level of quality off of the factory floor; The Lexus Hybrid Warranty coverage is effective for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and its Battery Warranty coverage is good for ten years or 150,000 miles, again, whichever comes first.

The Lexus NX comes with two hybrid powertrain options. The base NX 350h AWD is powered by a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with Lexus Hybrid Electric Drive, pushing 240 horsepower, complementing it is an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (otherwise known as an ECVT). Though it isn't exactly a race car, it's got paddle shifters is capable of going from zero to 60 in 7.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 124 miles per hour.

If that's still not enough, the NX 450h+ AWD is available as the top trim with the same 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine but instead with Plug-In Hybrid technology, this powertrain boosts its total power output to 304 horses and brings your zero to 60 time down to 6.0 seconds.

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Though car enthusiasts often complain of a “dated interior”, Lexus has kept most of the basics of the previous generations' systems; if anything, it’s quite thoughtful that Lexus still includes a CD player into their infotainment consoles. The car adopts a design language called “Tazuna”, putting one into a cockpit-like position when in the driver seat, helping the driver keep focus and be less distracted with operating the infotainment system. The NX has also updated to a standard 9.8-inch inch touchscreen infotainment system which includes the usual wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Driver Connect, Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assist, and Destination Assist.

One special thing to note too is that while most car manufacturers in the luxury segment have opted to do away with physical knobs and buttons, Lexus simply has kept it, well, simple, by keeping them in. The NX is just one example of the Lexus models which, while being updated with newer technologies, does not get rid of older, traditional, and tactile controls allowing the driver to feel more connected with the vehicle.

The Lexus NX is obviously not sporty, but it definitely stands out. With its sharp, angled, and very geometric body lines, as well as its aggressive front and rear exterior, it's more than capable of making a statement. The car also comes equipped with its signature L-shaped LED headlights that look sharp and sleek which appropriately complements the car's large, Lexus signature, spindle grill.

At the rear, the LED taillights seamlessly come all the way across the SUV's width, allowing for a sporty and aggressive-looking back end. It also sits comfortably on 18-inch to 20-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim level you choose. The Lexus NX design ensures that anyone who comes across it, whether it's parked or on the road, will definitely turn their heads. While Lexus pushes for its luxurious and classy identity, it's no doubt that the NX can also come off as a sporty, and robust crossover.

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Should anything happen, know that the Lexus NX has you and your passengers covered. Lexus’ driver-assistive technology allows its driver to make use of adaptive cruise control, letting you relax on those long, and boring rides; it should be noted, however, that it’s no autopilot and still requires an active driver behind the wheel. The car is fitted with the usual SRS airbags, cornering assist, hill start assist, ABS, traction control, but most especially the most recent Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. The LSS+ 3.0 features a Pre-Collision System designed to, well, prevent a collision by detecting any vehicles and pedestrians, and activating the emergency braking system.

The NX Hybrid also comes with:

If the base model doesn’t seem like it's enough, don’t second guess the NX just yet as Lexus has a few more tricks up their sleeve. When optioning out the Lexus NX, one is given a multitude of different options to add to the vehicle. Lexus gives its buyers the option to include features like a tilt-and-slide moon roof, heated steering wheel, a digital SmartAccess card key, as well as a 10-inch multi-information Heads-Up Display.

If the 9.8-inch touchscreen still isn't big enough, the option to upgrade to a 14-inch multimedia display is also available. Feel the need for more color and vibrancy in the cabin? The car is also available to be optioned out with a Thematic Ambient Lighting system. For audiophiles, the car also comes with the option to be fitted with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound audio system.

Other options available at your disposal include:

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Still feeling a bit underwhelmed? You can spec your Lexus NX with the F-Sport package for a price of $1,095 which gives the car a sportier look and feel, with gloss black trims around the vehicle, 20-inch five-spoke Gloss Black alloy wheels, and a more aggressive-looking body kit. It also upgrades the interior with F-Sport heated and ventilated front seats, a sportier heated steering wheel, a black headliner, a dark graphite aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals. It also comes with Adaptive Variable Suspension and Lateral Front and Rear performance dampers. The F-Sport package can also be optioned alongside the Luxury Package, giving the car even more technology and features.

While it is still quite the price for a lot of consumers out there, the NX is still one heck of a luxury crossover, and it comes at a reasonable, competitive price. If you have the extra cash lying around, the top-of-the-line spec for the NX, which is the NX 450h+ F-Sport Handling AWD, is priced at $60,655 MSRP. Just to compare the NX350 Hybrid at base, here are some of its top competitors in the market:

2024 Lexus NX 350h AWD

$44,205

2024 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD

$59,504

2024 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD F Sport Handling AWD

$60,655

BMW X3 xDrive30i (non-hybrid)

$48,900

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV (mild-hybrid)

$47,100

Acura RDX SH-AWD (non-hybrid)

$43,950

While it might be hard to wrap your head in choosing a Japanese-made luxury crossover just remember that the NX Hybrid, even at just a base model trim, already provides most (if not all) of the technology you need; and, you can drive to your heart’s content knowing you have Lexus’ bulletproof engine, build quality, and the fuel-efficiency of a hybrid powertrain.

Joaquin is an avid and long-time fan of car culture all around the world. When he's not studying and working on his architectural course, he often finds himself reading and watching reviews on the latest showcases of cars, and browsing his local online marketplace to spot vehicles on sale.